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REPORT 



Record Inks md Paper. 



FROM THE THIRD REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER ON PUBLIC RECORDS OF 
PARISHES, TOWNS, AND COUNTIES, 1891. 



\ 



61337 






A ."^^ NOTE. 



The wish has often been expressed that this report had given the name 
of the best ink for records, rather than the names of those inks which 
should not be used. For several reasons that could not be done. There 
are a number of permanent inks on the mai'ket, and nothing but the test 
of years would determine the superiority of any one. To have singled out 
one of these as the only ink to be used would have been unjust to other 
manufacturers. Moreover, prejudices in regard to inks are very strong, 
and if an ink that a recording officer had condemned had been published 
■ as the best record ink the whole report would have lost weight and influence 
in his mind. Again, there is a decided preference in regard to the color of 
an ink when used, some wishing a bluish, others a greenish, and others a 
jet black color; and among the permanent inks there is a chance for 
choice without danger to the records, although, undoubtedly, the less 
added color the better. 
^ The object of the report was : — 

J First, to prove that fugitive inks were more common than permanent, 

and thus to call the attention of the recording officers to the danger to 
which their records were exposed ; to lead them to select ink with care, 
and to care for it when selected, — never mixing it with others, watering 
it, or allowing it to freeze. 

Second, to advocate the English system of the establishment by the 
State of a standard of ink for the public records, which standard should 
be presented to the ink manufacturers for proposals to supply the necessary 
quantity, the ink to be subject to chemical analysis from time to time by 
official examining chemists. 




Boston, May 6, 1893. Commissioner. 



//'Zgl^t 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. Ill 

Record Inks. 

Upon commencing an examination of the records in vari- 
ous places, I was impressed with the great importance of the 
use of inks which should be permanent, and the necessity of 
an investigation which might prevent the further use of inks 
that for one reason or another were unfit for use upon records. 
I found that, as a rule, the inks upon the most ancient records 
had preserved their color, many undoubtedly being blacker 
than when used, but that the later records lost the jet-black 
appearance of the older. This, it is true, is not wholly due 
to the change of inks, for the use of quills, the soft surface of 
the old paper, the absence of blotting-paper and the greater 
time spent in writing, were all conducive to a heavier deposit 
of ink ; but evidence is ample that in comparatively recent 
years inks of poor quality came in use. Proof of this is 
given by an examination of the records in the State House. 
Up to about 1850 it was the custom in the office of the Sec- 
retary of the Commonwealth to use for engrossing the Acts 
inks made of a powder which was mixed in the office ; and 
until that time the Acts which are engrossed upon parchment 
show, with Imt few exceptions, no signs of fading. From 1850 
for several years the writing in many cases is becoming indis- 
tinct, that upon an Act in 1851, and upon two in 1855, hav- 
ing nearly disappeared. Since 18G0, Acts showing different 
intensity of color are found, but whether this is their origi- 
nal color or not cannot be determined. 

That the fading can be attributed to the parchment, as 
some claim, is disproved by the fact that of the signatures 
upon the same Act a few have faded while others have not. 
Upon an Act approved January 4, 1845, the signature of the 
President of the Senate has nearly disappeared, that of the 
Speaker of the House is more legible, while that of the 
Governor, and the figure 4, which he evidently inserted, are 
jet black. 

The indexes in the volumes of archives in the office of the 
secretary, which were written about 1840, were evidently 
made with a different ink from that used for eno-rossins', and 
faded so badly that the important words had to be rewritten. 

In the office of tlie State treasurer the records to about 



112 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

1867 are very black and distinct, but the ink used during a 
few years following has faded. 

The records of births, marriages, and deaths, in the reg- 
istration volumes in the secretary's office, furnish an excel- 
lent illustration of the dijfferent qualities of the inks now 
used. These records are original returns made by the city 
and town clerks, and from 1842 to 1889 show instances of 
the use of inks which are now almost illegible. Here again 
I he fault cannot be attributed to the paper, for endorse- 
ments made in the secretary's office upon the most faded 
returns at the time of their receipt are as black as when 
made. 

The volumes of copies of the old records of Lexington, 
made in 1853, have faded until they are quite indistinct. 

Some of the old inks, though retaining their black color, 
have, from the presence of acid in the ink or paper, eaten 
through the paper as thoroughly as if the writing had been 
done with a sharp instrument. In part of one old volume 
of court records, the ink, while not injuring the paper or 
becoming illegible upon the face of the leaves, has gradu- 
ally become legible upon the reverse, while the heavy paper 
has been impervious to the other inks used. 

Knowinoj that some of the recording officers were much 
troubled to obtain inks which possessed all the qualities 
desired, and if using an ink which it was agreeable to use, 
had no evidence of its most important qualification, — per- 
manency, — I asked from the registers of deeds, registers 
of probate, and city clerks, the name of the ink in use in 
their respective offices, and the qualities which recommended 
it. Replies were received from all, numbering seventy-five. 
I found that twenty-six inks and five writing fluids were in 
use upon the records in these offices. In these twenty-six 
were included inks of difi'erent kinds made by the same 
manufacturer. Some of the recording officers have taken 
great pains to procure absolutely permanent inks, and, while 
believing that they have procured such, have expressed grati- 
fication that the subject was to be systematically investi- 
gated, hoping for some positive information. 

To show the difference in the conclusions at which they 
have arrived, notwithstanding their endeavors, I present a 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 113 

summary of the replies, and in consideriqg tliis summary a 
distinction between inks and fluids must be borne in mind. 

Two make tlie general statement that they consider all 
fluids unsafe, while several who used inks of a certain make 
upon their records used fluids for other purposes, thereby 
implying their distrust of the permanency of the fluids. 

The most popular ink had eleven advocates, its recommen- 
dation being its black color and supposed permanency. One 
of its advocates said " it thickens quickly, and for that reason 
is not as pleasant to use as some others, but I have not dailsd 
to change, for reason of its durability." Per contra, two were 
not satisfied with it, and were about to change ; and one who 
had used it for many years had discarded it because ' ' after a 
while it became bad." 

The next in popularity was a fluid wliich had nine advo- 
cates. One had used it twenty years, another over thirty, 
another thirty-five, and " should not care to change ; " while 
one said it had been used in his office " time out of mind." 

The ink of the same maker had four advocates, two of 
whom were particular to emphasize the fact that they would 
not use the fluid. Per contra, one who had used this ink 
for twenty-five years said it was " not as good as formerly, 
and had been discarded ; " and another said that " the rec- 
ords made in 1884 already (in 1890) showed age." 

Another fluid was the third in the matter of choice, having 
eight advocates. This fluid had been in use seventeen years 
in one office and twenty years in another. Two used the ink 
of this manufacturer, but not the fluid. 

Of the inks of another manufacture, six used one kind, 
one another, and one another. One of these used the fluid 
for general uses in the office, but would not allow it on the 
records. Of these inks one questioned the permanency, 
and one gave as its recommendation that the " first color is 
neither purple or mauve, both of which will fade." 

One recording officer used an ink the permanency of which 
he did not doubt, " owing to the age of the formula and 
length of years ; " another used this ink if a steel pen was 
used, but mixed it with the fluid of another manufacture for 
use with a orold nen. Still another mixed it with the ink of 
another manufacture in equal parts. 



114 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

One ink has been used in one office for sixty-eight years, 
and in another for forty-nine. This had two other advo- 
cates. Per contra, three have rejected it. Of fifteen other 
inks reported as in use, the general answer in regard to the 
qualities which recommend them is the easy flow and free- 
dom from sediment. 

The following remarks were added : " I have used it long 
enough to know of its durability." " The trouble with the 
ink is that once a week you have an inkstand half full of 
mud." " I find it difficult to find an ink the permanency of 
which I dare trust." " It corrodes the pen." " Think that 
after a time the desire to make large profits serves to induce 
manufacturers to cheapen the quality, and not let it mature 
enouo;h in the vats." " I have tried all kinds. This is 
possibly as permanent as any." " It is true it thickens by 
exposure, but any ink will." " Aniline fluid is not an ink." 

" I have put it in the sun beside of ink, which has 

fiided, while this has not. I have during the past few years 
made many experiments in the way of testing inks, subject- 
ing the writing for long periods to sunlight and water." 
' ' Many popular inks are worthless for the purpose of a 
recording officer." " Used this for twenty years. If there 
is anything better, I want to know it." 

These replies and comments showed that, if some were 
right in their conclusions, others were wrong, as some were 
using inks or fluids which others were satisfied were not per- 
manent ; that some were using those with which they found 
it easiest to write, taking the risk of their not being perma- 
nent ; that inks were condemned because they had more 
body and were less agreeable to use ; and that inks were 
being mixed regardless of the chemical eflects. 

To ascertain what kind of inks were in use by the town 
clerks, I examined the registration volumes before referred 
to, and, as before stated, found many poor inks in use. In 
a few cases blue inks were used, and in two violet, which is, 
as a rule, if not always, a fugitive color. A number of the 
returns in these volumes of as recent date as 1875 were 
almost illegible, and three made in 1888 were nearly as 
indistinct. 

The more I looked into the subject, the more I became 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 115 

convinced that the whole subject of ink was one upon which 
the persons using it were comparatively ignorant. Consul- 
tation with experts satisfied me that good inks were being 
injured by improper treatment ; that the custom of mixing 
inks and of adding water to them was unsafe ; and that 
among the inks reported as in use upon the records there 
were many manufactured for commercial uses which should 
not be used upon records, and which the manufacturers 
would say were not intended for record inks. I therefore 
sent to the manufacturers of the inks reported as in use by 
the recording oiEcers, and to some others, the following 
letter and inquiries : — 

The fading of much of the ink used in records of comparatively 
recent date, while as a rule the records of two hundred years ago 
are as legible as when written, establishes the fact that for perma- 
nent qualities much of the modern ink is inferior to the ancient, 
and that inks are used that are unfit for making a record which 
should stand for all time. 

I am led to believe that most ink manufacturers make inks 
which are good for commercial and other uses where there is no 
desire for a permanent record, but which they would not recom- 
mend for use where the important object was the permanency of 
the record. One of the dangers to which our records are exposed 
can be obviated by the use of proper inks ; and I desire to obtain 
the opinion of the leading manufacturers on the subject, that I may 
advise the recording officers of the State what are, and what are 
not, safe inks to use for records. 

I shall esteem it a favor, therefore, if you will answer the en- 
closed questions, and return them at your convenience. Your 
reply will be treated as confidential as far as names are concerned, 
except in the answer to question No. 5, and that will not be 
printed if you so request. Any general opinion which will aid 
the recording officers in their selection of ink or paper will be 
welcomed. 

1. Do you consider it safe to use for a permanent record ani- 
line inks? 

2. Do you consider it safe to use for a record logwood inks? 

3. Do you consider nut-gall and iron inks absolutely safe for a 
permanent record? 

4. Do you consider carbon ink the only permanent ink? 

5. What inks of your manufacture would you advise against 
using for Si j^ermanent record? 



116 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

6. Do you advise generally against the inks known as writing 
fluids, when permanency is the first requisition? 

7. Do you manufacture a writing fluid? 

8. Do you consider it safe to add water to ink intended for 
permanent record, which has grown thick by exposure to the air? 

9. Do you believe that the obliteration of ink is ever due to 
chemicals left in the paper ? (This question has been asked of the 
paper manufacturers also.) 

10. Do you consider it safe to mix inks without knowing to 
what chemical group the inks so mixed belong ? 

Replies were received from twenty-two manufacturers. 
Several of the inks in the market, though bearing the name 
of certain persons, were found to be manufactured for them 
by manufacturers who had already answered the questions. 
Their replies were, therefore, not considered. 

To the first question, " Do you consider it safe to use for 
a permanent record aniline inks?" the unanimous answer 
was decidedly no. Aniline black is absolutely permanent, 
but as it is not yet known how to render it soluble in water, 
it has not been much used in ink. 

To the inquiry in regard to logwood inks, nearly all 
answered no, and most of those who did not qualified their 
answers to such an extent as to imply distrust. 

Upon the question of the permanency of nut-gall and iron 
inks, the answers were more varied ; one answering no, and 
four answering directly yes, the remaining answers being in 
brief that such inks were permanent if properly made. 

To the question, "Do you consider carbon ink the only 
permanent ink ? " the answers were varied and contradictory. 
Most of the manufacturers said a carbon ink could not be 
permanent, because carbon was insoluble ; and some said 
that no chemical union could exist between carbon and the 
other ingredients in ink. Others claimed that carbon was 
the one permanent color, and cited the old Indian and 
Chinese inks which have stood for centuries as illustrations 
of its permanency. These statements were so widely difier- 
ent that I pursued the inquiry further, and found it was 
conceded that, if a process could be discovered by which 
carbon could be dissolved and made to retain its color, no 
known substance would make so permanent an ink ; but that 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 117 

there was no such process, and in the inks now made the 
carbon was snnply held in suspension in the ink without any 
chemical union ; but I found also that improvement has been 
made, and that it is possible to combine the carbon with 
chemicals which will cause the carbon to embody itself. 
More than ordinary care should, however, be exercised in 
the purchase of carbon inks, for the lack of chemical union 
would cause a tendency to precipitate the carbon if the ink 
were improperly made. 

The replies to the inquiry, "Do you advise generally 
against the inks known as writing fluids, when permanency 
is the first requisition?" were in a way the most unsatis- 
factory, and savored somewhat of advertising. One manu- 
facturer made no fluid, and had no opinion to express. Most 
of the others made fluids. Nine advised generally against 
their use ; four recommendeid them in preference to ink ; 
and the others either advised generally against them, but 
recommended their own, or qualified the answer in such a 
way as to throw doubt on them. 

The argument in their favor seems to be that their fluidity 
makes them permeate the paper, and, in the change of color 
which usually takes place after using, a dyeing of the paper 
results. The objections are", that to obtain the fluidity body 
must be sacrificed, and there is not enough substance de- 
posited upon the paper. The objections made by two manu- 
facturers of fluids I give in their own words. 

" We advise generally against the inks known simply as writing 
fluids — those not intended to yiekl a letter-press copy — because 
they are Wiversally made, first, with as little solid matter as pos- 
sible, — i.e. weak; second, with an excess of iron beyond that 
required to. conibine with the tannin, so as to develop all the 
color possible and flow witfi the greatest freedom. The combined 
writing and copying fluids, and the copying fluids on the other 
hand if properly made, may be justly recommended where perma- 
nency is the first requisition, particularly the older ones, which 
should be the most durable of all nut-gall and iron inks, because 
in them particularly concentration is aimed at, and the iron need 
not necessarily, and should not, be in excess of that required to 
combine with the tannin present. A steel pen during use injures, 
and often greatly, the durability of a writing ink by giving up iron 
to it." 



118 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

"For your purpose, where extreme permanency is the first 
requisition, I should not advise the use of an ordinary writing 
fluid. Mauy manufacturers cannot obtain sufficient fluidity in their 
writing fluids without making their inlvs very dilute, and observing 
a particular method of manufacture which, although providing 
more attained color for a time, sacrifices the permanent quality of 
their color in a great measure. I should advise the use of an ink 
decidedly stronger." 

The addition of water to ink was almost universally con- 
demned, for reasons stated later. As proof that this was 
not for the mercenary purpose of indirectly advising the use 
of more ink, some of the manufacturers said the ink should 
be kept in small-mouthed ink-stands, and when not in use 
should be as tightly sealed as possible, to prevent evaporation. 

In reply to the inquiry as to whether chemicals left in the 
paper ever obliterated the ink, several of the manufacturers 
said they knew of such cases, and all were agreed that, if 
the chlorides used for bleaching the paper were not washed 
out, they would dangerously affect any ink. The practice 
of mixing inks was universally condemned. 

I intended to publish the names of the inks or fluids 
which, in reply to the fifth question, the manufacturers 
thereof advised against using upon records ; but, fearing it 
possible that harm might be done to a manufacturer by the 
careless association of his name with the question rather than 
with the name of a particular ink of his manufacture, I have 
not. Many of the manufacturers have answered the ques- 
tion candidly, and such will, undoubtedly, answer any 
recording officer who asks the question for himself. By their 
replies it appears that some inks and fluids which they say 
should not be are in use upon records. 

Permanency against the action of time is the quality sought 
for in this investigation, and it is claimed that better evidence 
as to that quality is furnished by the test of time than by any 
other ; and manufacturers have shown or referred to speci- 
mens of writing made with their ink many years ago, as 
proof of its merit in this particular. If there was any surety 
that the standard of quality was always kept up in all of the 
oldest inks in the market, it would be safe to accept that test, 
but this may not be a fact ; and, as has been stated, some 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 119 

of the recording officers believe that it is not. Moreover, 
if only the old inks were to be accepted, it would be against 
the spirit of the age, which is to adopt the improvements 
which science makes possi'ole ; and manuf icturers who at 
great cost of time and money have made improvements, 
would be deprived of the compensation which they deserve. 
The old inks were as a rule heavy, and had a tendency to 
settle ; and the endeavor on the part of some manufacturers 
lias been to preserve the permanency, and at the same time 
produce thinner inks which would be more agreeable to use. 

Improvements have been made in the direction of free- 
flowing inks, and these are fast becoming popular ; and, 
while for correspondence and commercial uses they are 
undoubtedly sufficiently permanent, for records many of 
them are not ; and it was with a view of preventing the use 
of these upon records that this investigation was made. No 
attention has been given to the permanency of the inks, as 
against their removal by acids. 

I have been asked by several of the recording officers to 
recommend a permanent ink, and some persons who knew of 
this investigation have expected that it would result in the 
recommendation of a particular ink for records. Such a 
recommendation would be an official endorsement which 
would be unjust, if not actionable, unless every ink in the 
market had been considered and examined chemically. 

What I hope chiefly to accomplish by this investigation is 
to awaken persons making records, official or other, to the 
necessity of the greatest care in the selection of inks and 
their treatment, and to call their attention to the important 
fact that the very quality — easy flow and freedom from 
sediment — that makes many inks popular with the per- 
sons doing the recording, is their worst recommendation for 
records. 

The conclusions arrived at from the weight of evidence 
obtained are as follows, and should be of assistance to 
recording officers, who ought to have some knowledge of 
the chemical properties of the ink which they use, that they 
may know how to treat it, otherwise the best ink may be 
rendered worthless. 

Aniline inks are never permanent, and should not be used 



120 EEPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

upon records. If once obliterated by the action of light, 
heat, water, or other changes, no known means can render 
them again legible. 

Logwood inks should not be used upon records. Tf they 
do not entirely fade, they have a tendency to turn brown. 

Nut-gall and iron inks, if properly made, are permanent. 
There is an advantage in the use of these, in that if the 
writing should fade it can be repeatedly restored by a nut- 
gall or tannin solution. 

Carbon inks, if properly made, are permanent. There are 
few carbon inks made, although some others are so called. 
Great care should be exercised in purchasing them, as they 
would be very dangerous if improperly made. 

Most of the brilliant colored inks will fade quickly. 

As to the so-called writing fluids, the difference of opinion 
among the manufacturers makes it difficult to advise for or 
against them as a class ; but that very difference makes it 
incumbent upon a recording officer to have a scientific opinion 
upon a particular fluid before using it upon his records. 
Fluids which the makers do not claim to be permanent are 
now in use upon the records. 

Copying inks should not be used upon records. Sugar, 
glycerine, glucose, or similar materials are used in them, to 
preserve moisture and give them the property of offsetting. 
Any dampness makes them liable to become sticky, and to 
offset, thereby not only making them blur, 'but lose part 
of the substance which should be absorbed by the paper. 

Stylographic inks should not be used upon records. 
Most of them are aniline. The absence of solid matter, 
which makes them desirable for the stylographic pen, unfits 
them for records. 

Water should not be added to ink. While an ink which 
has water as its base would bear the addition of an amount 
equal to that lost by evaporation, the ink would be injured 
to just the extent that water in excess of that amount was 
added. An ink where water, though present, was not the 
basis, would be injured by the addition of any, A homely 
illustration of the reason of this is given by one of the 
manufacturers : a thick soup may be improved by the addi- 
tion of water while it is cooking, whereas it would bo ruinsd 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 121 

if the water were added after the cooking ceased ; for in the 
former case a chemical union talves place, but in the latter 
the union is mechanical and not lastins;. 

Inks should never be mixed unless by the sanction of 
chemists. The mixture of certain inks would result in the 
precipitation of everything but the water. 

Inks which are recommended as permanent, because acid 
will not remove them, while it does immediately obliterate 
others, may not be permanent as against time. These inks 
may be the best for monetary purposes, but, owing to acid 
in them, may be dangerous in time to the paper. 

Some inks which are permanent against time, if not tam- 
pered with, can be removed with water. This is true of the 
most lasting of ink, — the ancient Indian. 

Ink which badly corrodes a steel pen need not necessarily 
be condemned ; it may contain just the acid qualities which 
make it permeate the paper, and render it permanent. 

Blotting paper should not be used upon records. Its use 
removes the body of the ink, leaving discoloration, but 
nothing for penetration. In inks intended for copying, the 
use of the blotting paper is especially bad. 

Inks should be kept tightly covered when not in use, and 
ink-stands should be frequently washed. 

The use of acid for mahinj erasures is dangprous, as the 
acid left in the paper may have a tendency to destroy the ink 
when the paper is again written upon. 

The use of proper ink is considered so important by the 
British government that the inks used in the public depart- 
ments are obtained by public tender, in accordance with con- 
ditions drawn up by the controller of H. M. stationery 
office, with the assistance of the chief chemist of the inland 
revenue department, to whom the inks supplied by the con- 
tractor are from time to time submitted for analysis Suit- 
able inks for the various uses are thus obtained, and their 
standard maintained. The last form of '' invitation to ten- 
der," or " proposal," as we term it, is appended, as being 
instructive. 

I cannot learn that the United States 2:overnment uses 
any such care as the British in the matter of ink, although 
the question has been a troublesome one in the departments. 



122 EEPORT ON PUBLIC RECOEDS. [Jan. 

The State department issues no special rules for determining 
suitable inks, or requiring that particular inks shall be used. 
Proposals are asked for the lowest bids for the articles of 
stationery required, the last form of proposal asking for 
bids upon seven black inks, one crimson, and one writing 
fluid, which are named. 

With the market full of inks worthless for records, the 
only safety for our records seems to be in the establishment 
of a system similar to the English, which shall fix upon 
proper inks for various uses, which all recording officers 
shall be required to use. 

I believe that the recording officers will be glad to have 
the question of permanent inks decided for them, and to know 
whether inks which were in use many years ago, and have 
stood the test thus far, are maintained at their old standard. 
In the face of sharp competition among manufacturers, they 
fear they are not. 

A minute chemical analysis of each of the inks reported 
in use by the recording officers would have been too expen- 
sive to undertake, and I was assured that the results would 
not have been practically satisfactory ; but, having the state- 
ments of the manufacturers that certain chemical classes of 
inks were or were not permanent, I had samples analyzed of 
such of the inks reported in use by the recording officers as 
I could obtain, and some others which were upon the 

'9 
market, to determine to what chemical classes they belonged. 

The samples were from the inks bought in open market as 

follows, and were submitted to the chemists by numbers, nx) 

names being known to them. 

1. Stafford's Commercial Ink, — "Writing Fluid. 

2. Stafford's Unchangeable, Universal, Jet Black "Writing 

Ink. 

3. Stafford's Chemical Writing Fluid. 

4. Ebony Black Writing Ink, J. & I. E. Moore. 

5. Underwood's Egyptian Black Ink. 

6. Underwood's Chemical Writing Ink, — Cobalt Black. 

7. U. S. Treasury Ledger Fluid, Wm. A. Davis. 

8. Ink, Maynard & Noyes. 

9. Thomas' Black Ink. 

10. Barnes' National Ink, — Writing Fluid. 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 123 

11. Sanford's Premium Fluid. 

12. Stephens' Blue Black Writing Fluid. 

13. H. Morrell's Registration Ink. 

14. Caw's Ink. 

15. Thaddeus Davids Co.'s Steel Pen Ink. 

16. Carter's Writing Fluid. 

17. Carter's Safety Ink. 

18. Carter's Combined Writing and Copying Ink. 

19. Carter's Koal Black Ink. 

20. Carter's Raven Black Ink. 

21. Arnold's Office and Steel Pen Writing Ink. 

22. Walkden's Japan Ink. 

23. Lyons' Black Ink. 

24. Arnold's Chemical Writing Fluid. 

25. Crystal Writing and Copying Ink, Geo. H. Freeman. 

28. Underwood's Everlasting Bank Ink, — Cobalt Black. 

29. Antoine's Modern Ink, Unchangeable Jet Black. 

30. Murray's Congress Record Ink, — Blue Black. 

31. Best Black Ink, D. B. Murray & Son. 
82. H. C. Stephens' Commercial Black Ink. 

33. Stephens' Unchangeable Dark Blue Writing Fluid'. 

34. H. C. Stephens' Aeilyton Copying Ink. 

35. W. B. Todd's Government Writing Fluid. 

36. Bonney's Premium French Ink. 

37. Blackwood & Co.'s "Old English" Black Letter Writing 

Ink. 

39. Continental Jet Black Ink. 

40. Pomeroy's Permanent Black Ink. 

54. Zulu Black Writing Ink, J. & I. E. Moore. 

55. Worthington's Diamond Gloss Black Ink. 

56. Joy's Commercial Writing Ink. 

57. The Keystone Unchangeable Jet Black Ink, J. C. Blair. 

58. William A. Davis' U. S. Treasury Combined Writing and 

Copying Ink. 

59 . Draper's Ink (Dichroic) . 

60. Encre Violette, — A. W. Faber. 

6 1 . Stafford's Violet-Black Copying Ink. 

62. Maynard & Noyes' Violet-Black Writing and Copying Ink. 

63. Sanford's Combined Writing and Copying Fluid. 

64. Maynard & Noyes Chemical Writing Fluid. 

65. Sanford's Ink, French Copying. 

66. The A. T. Cross Stylographic Ink. 

67. Dunlap's Stylographic Ink. 



124 EEPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

Nos. 26, 27, and 38 bore labels of stationers who were not 
manufacturers, the same inks undoubtedly being included in 
the above numbers. Nos. 41 to 53 were fancy colored inks, 
which faded almost instantly upon exposure to light, and 
none of these were submitted for examination. 

Tbe reputation of the chemists making the analyses is suf- 
cient guarantee of their accuracy. Prof. George F. H. Markoe, 
Ph.G., is professor of general chemistry at the Massachusetts 
College of Pharmacy, is now and has been for many years a 
member of the committee of revision and publication of the 
U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and was formerly instructor of Materia 
Medica at Harvard University. Prof. J. W. Baird, A.M., 
Ph.C, M.D., is professor of analytical chemistry at the Col- 
lege of Pharmacy. 

Their report is as follows : — 

Boston, Dec. 8, 1890. 
Commissioner on Public Records, etc. 

Sir : — We present herewith our report upon the fifty-one sam- 
ples of ink submitted to us for classification. 

Writing inks are liquids, colored either with some freely soluble 
material, or by means of a finely divided precipitate held in sus- 
pension. Any material that is capable of imparting a color may 
be used. But in this report only those materials will be consid- 
ered that produce liquids with a sufficient color to be classed under 
the head of dark inks, principally black or black modified (i. e., 
the green, purple and blue black, the dark blue and the deep red- 
dish and purplish inks). 

Formerly ordinary writing inks consisted of an infusion or 
decoction of nut-galls, with a solution of ferrous sulphate, known 
also as copperas, green vitriol, sulphate of iron, added. In this 
mixture there is produced a precipitate, lighter or darker, depend- 
ing upon the method of manufacture and length of time since 
manufactured, as will be seen further on. 

The solution of iron sulphate absorbs oxygen from the air, and 
is converted more or less into a product which will be called in this 
report oxidized iron. The nut-galls contain gallo-tannic acid, and 
some little gallic acid. The gallo-tannic acid forms with iron com- 
Dounds a precipitate ; with unchanged iron sulphate, the precipitate 
is Uglit-colovQdL ; with oxidized iron, the precipitate is dark col- 
ored, — gray black to black. G-ailo-tannic acid is, when moist, 
converted by exposure to air more or less into gallic acid. 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 125 

Gallic acid strikes a darker color with oxidized iron than does 
gallo-tannic acid. 

From the above facts it will be seen that, when the ingredi- 
ents — iron sulphate and galls — are mixed, not much color is pro- 
duced, but that the color develops by exposure of the ink, due to 
the conversion principally of the iron into oxidized iron, and partly 
of the gallo-tannic into gallic acid. 

From this it would appear theoretically that the more the conver- 
sion the better the ink, but that is not so. The ink must contain 
enough oxidized iron to give color sufficient when first written to 
be distinctly legible, but should also contain unoxidized iron, so 
that, after it is upon the paper, the exposure there will cause this 
unoxidized iron gradually to be oxidized, and by that means make 
the color deepen with age. A further reason why a proportion of 
the iron should remain unoxidized is, that the process of oxida- 
tion and precipitation causes the ink to become more intimately 
fixed in the fibres of the paper. 

To obtain the oxidized iron, the ink, after it is mixed, must stand 
exposed for some time ; then it should be drawn off and bottled, 
thereby excluding the air, and thus retaining a portion of the iron 
in an unoxidized state. 

As above said, a precipitate is produced between the solution of 
galls and that of iron, which gives the color. This precipitate will 
settle out and leave the solution poor in color, unless something is 
added to keep it in suspension. To accomplish that, to all gall inks 
some gum is added, generally gum-arabic. Tliis gum has an 
additional use, viz., gives a gloss to the writing, and, if not in 
excess, probably attaches the precipitate more firmly to the paper. 
An excess, however, would without doubt tend to keep the pi'ecipi- 
tate upon the surface, and not allow it to bite into the fibres of the 
paper. Therefore, only enough gum should be used to hold the 
precipitate in suspension. 

To sum up, a good gall and iron ink must contain sufficient galls 
and iron sulphate to furnish material from which the color can be 
formed, and must have been exposed a sufficient time to allow the 
color to be formed, and must then be excluded from the air (bot- 
tled) , so it will contain some unoxidized iron, and finally must 
contain the proper amount of gum. 

Theoretically, it might appear that the more material used the 
better the ink, producing more color and more body. Up to a cer- 
tain extent this is so, but after about a certain point the inks will 
be too heavy to flow easily from the pen. The more material that 
an ink contains, and still flows comfortably, the better the ink, 
as regards permanency. 



12G REPORT ON |UBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

The following table, taken from the highest authorities, 
shows the composition of gull inks of different grades : — 



Nut-galls, . 
Iron sulphate, 
Gum-arabic, 
Water, 



Allen's Commercial 
OuGANic Analysis. 



A. 

Superior 



225 

75 

25 

1000 



B. 

Inferior 



62 
31 
31 

1000 



Watt'S^Dictionart 
OF -Chemistry. 



C. 
Too heavy 



225 

225 

25 

1000 



1). 

Ordinary use 



125 

24 

24 

1000 



A, woiikl represent the composition of a superior writing ink, 
too strong for ordinary use, but undoubtedly admirably adapted 
for permanent recorda . 

B, an inferior ink. 

C, an ink too heavy for writing purposes. 

D, an ink well adapted for ordinary use. 

The gall and iron ink (above described) has always been con- 
sidered the best black iuk. It deepens on exposure, bites into the 
fibres of the paper, does not fade readily, and, even if the organic 
matter is destroyed or faded, yet, if the ink contains plenty of 
iron, the iron compounds remaining in the paper can be made 
legible by the use of certain chemical reagents; e. g., brushing 
over with solution of potassium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate of 
potash) or a solution of nut-galls, thereby striking a dark color 
with the iron. Inks other than iron inks do not have this property. 

The most permanent black color is the tanno-gallate of iron (the 
color in the gall and iron ink) , and any other coloring matter, used 
either wholly as a substitute or to substitute a portion of the galls 
and iron, only impairs the quality of ink. Of late years this has 
been done to a considerable extent, and consequently the market 
is flooded with manj^ cheap and inferior inks. They give a deep 
and an immediate color when written, but their color cannot stand 
the test of the atmosphere, light, and time. 

Of otlier coloring matter found in inks, the first to be men- 
tioned is : — 

Logwood, which is used not only for its individual color, but for 
the tannin it contains. It gives a darker hue to the ink, and there- 
fore is often substituted for the galls, to cheapen the ink, or 
is added to an inferior ink to give additional color. Logwood 
alone or with alum is commonly the basis of the reddish and 
purplish Inks. Logwood with potassium chromate forms a black 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 127 

ink. The objection to logwood is that comparatively it fades 
readily, will not stand the test of time and light, and when used 
alone cannot be restored after once faded. Therefore, logwood 
inks should not be used for records. 

s/^ Since the introduction of the aniline dyes, they have been largely 
employed for the manufacture of ink, either wholly to replace the 
galls and iron, or as an addition to them, to allow the use of only 
a little galls and iron. They are also mixed with other colors. 
Under the name of nigrosine (an aniline black) , there are found 
a variety of very strong dyes, which are perfectly soluble in water, 
and which in the proportion of from 1 to 3 per cent., perhaps 
without further addition, represent fairly closely the commercial 
inks of this variety. Such inks are cheap, give an immediate 
black, have very little body, and are popular for use as stylo- 
graphic inks. 

Although some of the nigrosines are very resistent to chemical 
reagents, yet many of them are not, and do fade under the influ- 
ence of light, while none of them have been tried sufficiently to 
prove their permanence. Another objection is their free solubility 
in water, which makes it comparatively easy to wash such inks 
from the paper, and allows them to run if accidentally wet. Fur- 
thermore, they do not enter the paper as gall and iron inks do. 

There is a very popular class of inks on the market, known as, — 

Blne-hlack ivritivg fluids^ or simply tvriting fluids.' They consist 
generally of a thin gall and iron ink, with sulphindigotic acid or 
indigo-carmine, sometimes aniline blue, added to give intensitj'' to 
the color. They flow readily from the pen, give an immediate 
color, and are much employed. For ordinary use they are excel- 
lent. But, because of their thinness and lack of metallic basis, 
they are generally acknowledged, even by their manufacturers, as 
not well adapted for permanent records. 

There is a variety of blue ink, made of soluble Prussian -blue. 
It can be easily made by dissolving Prussian-blue in oxalic acid. 
It has essentially the same composition as laundry bluing. It is 
resistant, but is very apt to decompose. 

There is a black ink known as carbon ink, which has nigrosine 
as a basis, and has also finely divided carbon suspended by gum. 
It is very resistant to chemicals, the most so of any ink ; but, 
although this is so, we cannot advise its use for records, because 
it does not penetrate the glaze of the paper ordinarily used ; 
because it can be more or less easily washed off with water ; and 
because it runs easily when wet. 

To prevent inks from moulding, various substances are added ; 
e. (/., essential oils, bruised cloves, carbolic acid, vinegar, etc. 



128 



REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. 



[Jan. 



The addition of acid retards the oxidation of the iron. The ink 
therefore remains thinner and pale, darkens less rapidly when 
written, and is more corrosive to steel pens. Otherwise, the addi- 
tion of small amiounts of preservative agents does no harm. 

The so-called copying inks are made by a small addition of sugar 
or glycerine to any ink. Even if a rich gall and iron ink is so pre- 
pared, the additions that give its copying qualities injure it as a 
record ink. The commercial copying inks are generally :nade with 
logwood as a basis. 

The following is the classification of the inks sent to us for 
examination. The classification is as accurate as can be made, 
unless exhaustive chemical analysis be conducted upon each ink, 
which it was not desired that we should make. 



Classification. 
A. The Distinctly Reddish and Purplish Inks. — Logwood mostly. 

/. The Bed. 



XCMBFPS. 


Specific 
Gravity 


Numbers. 


Speciflc 
Gravity 


34, . ... 

61, .... 


1.090 

1.047 


62, . 

65 

1 


1.044 

1.061 



11. The Purple. 




B. TJie Deep Purple-hlack and Blue-black Inks. — Iron and 
galls ; some with little color, some with more. (Of this class, 
number 23 does not stand the required test, and is too thin.) , 



6 


1.041 


22, . 


1.051 


8 


1.032 


23 


1.019 


13 


1.041 


31, ... . 


1.027 


15, . . . 


1.026 


63, . 


1.042 


18 


1.046 







1891.] 



SENATE — No. 2. 



129 



C. The Purple-blue Inks. — Some contain iron, others do not. 
Some are apparently nigrosine. Others contain logwood, and 
some are evidently mixtures. The division below may not be 
absolutely correct, but the class as a whole has considerable color 
added. 

J. Nigrosine, 



Ndmbees. 


Specific 
Gravity 


NUMBEBS. 


Specific 
Gravity 


4 

9, .... 
14, .... 
19, .... 


1.006 
1.010 
1.006 
1.006 


36, . . 
56, . 

66, . 

67, . . . . 


1.006 
l.OU 
1.003 
1.007 



II. Mixed Inks, probably Logwood and Nigrosine. 



20 

39, .... 

40, .... 


1.011 
1.011 
1.009 


54 

55, . 

57, . . . . 


1.012 
_i 

1.006 



III. Iron and Galls with Nigrosvie for Added Color. 



5, 



1.020 



D. The Deep-blue Inks. 

I. This is the class to which most of the so-called writing fluids belong. 
Mostly iron and galls, with indigo color added. 



1 


1.026 


12, . 


1.021 


7, . . 


1.014 


16, . 


1.020 


10, .... 


1.017 


28, ... . 


1.015 


11 


1.019 


30, . 


1.027 



II. Prussian-blue Inks. 



33,« 



33 a,' 



> Specimen too small to take specific gravity. 

» Decomposed. ^ a good blue. See p. 127. 



130 



EEPOET ON PUBLIC EECORDS. 



[Jan. 



E. The Black and Greenish-black Inks. 

I. Pure galls, and iron and galls, and iron toith only little color added. 

A. Green Black. 



Numbers. 


Specific 
Gravity 


Color added or not 


Mineral 
Matter in 50 

Cubic 
Centimeters 


Calculated 
anjount of Iron 

Sulphate 
in 1,000 Cubic 
Centimeters 


3, . , . 

24, . , . 

25, . 
35, . 
58, . 
64, . 


1.029 
1.021 
1.044 
1.024 
1.032 
1.026 


Little added color, 
Little added color, 

Little added color, 


0.541 

0.5234 

0.7395 

0.528 

0.7418 

0.5646 


37.6 
36.4 
61.4 
36.6 
51.6 
39.2 







B. Black. 






21, . . . 


1.041 


Little added color. 


0.6777 


46.96 


32, . 


1.033 


Little added color, 


0.4797 


33.4 


37, . 


1.070 


Little added color. 


1.3185 


91.6 





11. 


Carbon and Nigrosine. 


XtJMBKKS. 


Specific Gravity 


17 


_1 _ 



According to the reasons given in the first part of this report, the 
mks, under all the classes, except the following under B, and E, I., 
viz., numbers 3, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 31, 32, 35, 37, 58, 
63, 64, should be discarded /o?* records. Of the numbers just men- 
tioned, only three apparently have no color added. The amount 
of color, however, is small, and that in itself probably does not 
injure the ink. 

It will also be noticed that there is great variation in the gravi- 
ties. In order to show comparatively the amount of mineral 
matter in these, we have obtained the residues of 50 cubic centi- 
meters by ignition with nitric acid, and this has been calculated 
to parts of crystallized iron sulphate per 1,000 cubic centimeters 
(of use to show comparative values only) , all of which is shown 



1 Specific gravity not material. 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 131 

in the table. By comparison with the composition of gall inks of 
different grades given in the first table in this report wherein ink 
classed as " A " is taken as a standard for record ink, it can 
easily be seen to which grade of inks each number corresponds, 
and it will be found that all but one are deficient in iron sulphate ; 
and, without making a special determination, they 'are all, in our 
opinion, deficient in galls (taking the "superior inks" as a 
standard) . 

As a conclusion, since the great mass of inks on the market are 
not suitable for records, because of their lack of body and because 
of the quantity of unstable color which they contain, and because 
the few whose coloring matters are not objectionable are deficient 
in galls and iron, or both, we would strongly recommend that the 
State set its own standard for the composition of inks to be used 
in its offices and for its records, have the inks manufactured 
according to specification sent out, and receive the manufactured 
products subject to chemical assay. In this way only can there be 
a uniformity in the inks used for the records throughout the State., 
and in no other way can a proper standard be maintained. 

Geokge F. H. Markoe, Ph.G., 

Professor General Chemistry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. 

J. W. Baird, A.m., Ph.C, M.D., 

Professor Analytical Chemistry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. 

Boston, Mass., Dec. 5, 1890. 

The conclusions at which I arrived were drawn, as stated^ 
from manufacturers or recording officers, wholly indepen- 
dently of the chemists ; but they will be found to coincide 
in many particulars with theirs. I did consult them in 
regard to the practicability of maintaining a State standard 
for record ink, which they have approved. 

The commendation by the chemists of some of the so-called 
writing fluids explains in a degree the variety of opinions 
advanced by the manufacturers in regard to the durability of 
fluids. Some of them will be seen to possess the qualities 
of ink, and the name fluid is evidently given to meet the 
commercial demand for fluids. 

Several persons, manufacturers among them, expressed 
greater confidence in tests of exposure of inks to the light 
and weather, than to chemical analyses. I, therefore, as a 
dry test, placed on the inside of a window pane receiving a 



132 EEPORT ON PUBLIC EECORDS. [Jan. 

strong light, writing made under exactly the same condi- 
tions with each of sixty-seven inks, which remained there 
from March 13 to December 8. Similar writing was 
exposed to light and the weather from September 25 to 
December 8 ; and the result of the resistance of the inks in 
both tests is an almost exact confirmation of the report of 
the chemists, inks of the same class varying in their resist- 
ance according to their specific gravity or amount of added 
color. 

It may be safely said, therefore, that, of sixty-seven 
inks of which I procured samples, all but seventeen are 
unsuitable for records, and among these the chemists say 
but one is fully up to the established scientific standard 
of quantity of iron sulphate. The reason is plain, — the 
demand for commercial inks is large, for record, small ; and 
the supply has been to meet the demand. 

Record Paper. 

The subject of paper for public records is an important 
one, especially at this time, when wood is largely used in 
the manufacture of paper. 

Section 1 of chapter 37 of the Public Statutes provides 
as follows: "The matters of public record in any office 
shall be entered or recorded on paper made wholly of linen, 
of a firm texture, well sized, and well finished ; and in the 
selection of paper for such records a preference shall be 
given to linen paper of American manufacture, if it is 
marked in water line with the word ' linen,' and also with 
the name of the manufacturer." 

The law has practically been a dead letter, for the follow- 
ing reasons, and it is surprising that it has remained so long 
unrepealed : no paper is made wholly of linen, except for 
bonds or other special uses other than for records, and it 
would be unfit for records if it were ; paper is marked 
" linen " which is not linen, and is not bought for linen, the 
term being accepted in the paper trade as applying to the 
best papers, which are about one-half linen ; none but experts 
could know whether paper was all linen, if it were desirable 
to purchase it. 

Many who purchase bound record books think a low- 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 133 

priced I)Ook is economical ; and, the price, size, and general 
style being satisfactory, if the paper has a good surface, 
'little attention has been paid to its quality. The county 
recording officers and persons using paper in unbound form 
have undoubtedly used the standard reliable papers, but, 
in doing the best thing possible, have been obliged to non- 
comply with the law. 

With a view of obtaining information of the paper manu- 
facturers upon the subject, I sent to every manufacturer in 
the State, whose address I could obtain, a circular quoting 
the section referred to, and asking his opinion upon the fol- 
lowing points : — 

1 . Is paper made wholly of linen the best record paper now 
made? 

2. Is paper made wholly or partly of wood suitable for records ? 

3. Is there any way in which a person not an expert can detect 
the presence of any considerable amount of unfit material in 
paper ? 

4. Would it be practicable to require that paper made wholly 
or partly of wood should have some distinguishing mark to show 
that fact? 

5. Do you believe that the obliteration of ink is ever due to 
the presence of chemicals left in the paper ? 

Replies were received from twenty-eight, including the 
leading manufacturers, and the following conclusions were 
drawn from their replies : — 

Paper made of linen rags and new cotton clippings is the 
best record paper. 

Paper made of all linen is not suitable for records, as the 
surface is too hard for the ink to penetrate, and it can be 
washed off. 

Paper made wholly or partly of wood is not suitable for 
records. 

A person not an expert cannot detect unfit material in 
paper, unless it exists in very large quantities. 

It would not be practicable to require that paper made 
wholly or partly of wood should be so marked. Some man- 
ufacturers are of the opinion that any distinguishing mark 
is valueless; and the universal use of the word "linen" 



134 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

upon paper which is known not to be linen tends to support 
that opinion. 

Neglect to properly wash out the chemicals used for 
bleaching rags or for treating wood would undoubtedly 
cause the ink to be obliterated, to a greater or less extent. 

Several of the manufacturers gave their opinions at length 
upon some of the points ; and, as they are instructive, I 
quote them : — 

" I am glad that you are looking into this matter, as I think 
trouble is coming in the future from the quality of paper used. 
We know absolutely nothing about the effects of time upon chemi- 
cal wood fibres, and a vast amount of these are being used in all 
papers." 

" To conclude, we would express our opinion that the law of 
1816 is a good one, with the exception of 'wholly of linen,' 
which should be ' rags,' and it should also include a provision 
that paper should have a certain tensile strength. We could with 
some trouble and expense give the experience of a county in New 
Jersey, which had to replace a large number of record books on 
account of the first ones having so much wood in them." 

" My opinion is that the paper made wholly of linen is not any 
better for record paper than where a portion of the stock, say fifty 
per cent., is of linen, and the other fifty is of some new material, 
like unbleached cotton cloth or bleached cotton cloth. You will 
understand that I mean that this cloth must not have been worn 
or washed, and in this way it will retain all its strength ; and this 
paper combined with the linen would be durable, and would not 
change color." 

" In regard to your second inquiry, my opinion is that fibre 
made wholly out of wood would be unsuitable for records. While 
the fibre is similar to that of cotton or linen, it is of a different 
nature when you come to work it in accordance with the paper- 
maker's art, and I think it would be likely to disintegrate, or 
become brittle and of poor color. A small portion of wood 
might not be any serious injury to paper, but it would undoubt- 
edly have a tendency to injure the color somewhat, and would not 
be as strong as old linen and old cotton stock." 

" I do not think it would be practicable to require that paper 
made wholly or partly of wood should have a designating mark. I 
think the difficulty would be that, where you purchased paper of 
the lowest bidder, wood being so much cheaper, there would be a 
great temptation to put it in, and you would have to rely on the 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 135 

integrity of the paper maker entirely as to whether wood was 
used, or not." 

"Paper made wholly of linen rags would be unfit for writing pur- 
poses, as it would be like sheepskin or bond paper." 

" Undoubtedly it is a well-known fact that the pulp-makers 
have been unable to destroy all the acids in their products ; and, if 
the chlorine is not ' killed ' at the paper mill, it will act on the ink." 

" I think that the ink is ofteuer at fault than the paper, although 
the alkalies in paper may affect some kinds of ink. Very little all- 
linen paper is now made, and it is very hard to write upon, — as 
bond paper, for instance. Great misconception exists in the pub- 
lic mind in regard to linen paper, and much that is water-marked 
linen contains very little linen stock. We once made a lot of 
paper from all linen, and another lot from ail cotton stock, so 
nearly alike that good judges could not tell the difference. Wood 
should not be used in any form in paper for public records. In 
time it dries, cracks, and crumbles. For a paper to last a long 
time, that will bear handling and folding, and that will at the same 
time write upon easily, there is nothing better than a paper made 
from old linen and new cotton rags, without clay, wood pulp, or 
other adulterant ; such a paper, in fact, as any of the leading brands 
of ledger paper." 

" Paper made from cotton, and, say, one-quarter part chemical 
wood, would be cheaper and still strong enough for record paper, 
especially when sized with animal sizing, and air-dried without com- 
ing in contact with hot iron. Much of the paper in account books 
sold in the market is ' engine-sized ' only, which prevents the ink from 
spreading, but does not strengthen or harden the paper as animal 
sizing does. It is this animal sizing that adds to the cost very 
materially of all good writing paper, but in white paper it can be 
easily detected by exposure to the sunlight a few days, when it will 
be found to lose its whiteness, and become a dingy yellow." 

" The great improvement in the treatment of wood fibre by chemi- 
cal manipulation has rendered this material very different from the 
ground wood (mechanical process), against which the prejudice 
against wood in paper making arose originally. There is as much 
if not a greater difference between wood chemically treated and 
mechanically treated as there is between wood and rag pulp ; and 
in many cases a mixture of wood and rag pulp will make a better 
proper than either will make alone." 

"Paper for records must be pretty hard, especially if bound in 
volumes of which the leaves are to be much turned and worn, and 
probably a large percentage, such as fifty per cent., might well be 
of linen." 



136 EEPORT ON PUBLIC EECORDS. [Jan. 

' ' Iron ink is not obliterated by the chemicals left in the paper. 
Logwood ink is very likely to be obliterated." 

" Paper made from a combination of linen and new cotton rags, 
and sized with animal sizing (or glue) , and afterward air-dried, 
possesses all the qualities requisite for durable records, and is 
superior to that made of linen only." 

"A simple and practical test to detect unfit material in paper 
for records is to repeatedly fold the sheet, and then try the 
strength ; if it breaks easily at fold, it is either made of cheap, 
tender stock, or is adulterated with material having no textile 
strength." 

The destruction of the paper in some of the ancient 
records seems to be unaccounted for, unless the cause lay in 
the paper itself. Pages have changed color until they have 
become almost black, and the paper has cracked in irregular 
lines, the same irregular shape following through very many 
of the leaves as if cut with a die, and pieces of the pages 
have dropped out. The darkest and weakest spots are in 
the centre of both the leaf and the book, the edges of the 
leaf and the outside leaves showing less of the deteriora- 
tion. The explanation of this decay advanced by an old and 
practical paper maker is that the acid used in bleaching the 
rags was not washed out, and, the heaviest pressure in bind- 
ing having come upon the centre of the pages, the acid took 
greater effect there. The ink used upon these discolored 
pages is as bright as when applied, which is further proof 
of the permanent character of the ancient inks, and shows 
that they were not injuriously affected by the acid. 

I would advise the repeal of section 1 of chapter 37, and 
the passage of the following : The matters of public record 
in any office shall be entered or recorded on paper made of 
linen rags and new cotton clippings, well sized with animal 
sizing and well finished ; and in the selection of paper for 
such records preference shall be given to such paper of 
American manufacture, if it is marked in water line with 
the word " record," and also with the name of the manu- 
facturer. 

The names of many of the paper manufacturers of this 
State are sufficient guarantee that their paper, if marked as 
required, is what it purports to be ; and, if the recording 



1891.] SENATE — No. 2. 137 

officers will procure record paper of their manufacture, there 
may be no fear of the permanency of the records, as far as 
the paper is concerned. Especial care should be taken to 
procure proper paper when it is purchased already bound, 
as much worthless paper is in the market in that form. 

I have received by mail, and in person during my visits to 
the several towns, much complaint of the quality of the paper 
and binding in the books furnished by the Commonwealth for 
the use of the town clerks and assessors. Many of the 
towns have at their own expense rebound the books, but 
there is no remedy for the poor quality of the paper. The 
Commonwealth should certainly set a good example in this 
respect, if it intends to require strict compliance with the 
law on the part of town officers. 

Eecommendations . 

The recommendations may be summarized as follows : — 

That the laws in regard to city and town records be con- 
sidered and revised, with a view of more clearly fixing the 
question of their custody, and providing for improvement 
in their condition. 

That salaries be fixed by statute for town clerks ; the fees 
to be paid to the towns ; the clerks to be elected for longer 
terms, be made clerks of all boards but members of none, 
and be required to have an office. 

That the records of collectors be placed in possession of 
the cities and towns. 

That every retiring town officer be obliged to deliver, 
under oath, to his successor in office, all town records and 
property. 

That hereafter upon the division of a town the records 
shall remain in the town whose name they bear, and that 
all records now in towns other than those bearing the name 
in such records be returned to the parent town, provided 
their safety is not endangered thereby. 

That churches or religious societies which have ceased to 
hold religious meetings for a term of years be declared 
extinct. 

That the records of the proprietors of the common and 



138 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. '91. 

undivided lands be copied, and placed in the registries of 
deeds in the district where the lands are situated. 

That the registers of deeds be elected for the same term 
for which registers of probate and clerks of the courts are 
elected, — five years, — and that a new system of indexing 
be established, to meet the needs of the several resristries. 

That more security be provided for the records and files 
in the registries of probate. 

That the subjects of paper and ink for records receive the 
attention which their importance warrants. 

ROBERT T. SWAN, 

Commissioner. 



APPENDIX. 



R. 

The TENDER, a Form of which is sent herewith, should be 
marked on the cover "Tender for Ink," and addressed to "The 
Controller of H.M. Stationery OfBce, Princes Street, Storey's 
Gate, S.W." 

H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE, 

22nd August, 1889. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I have the honour to request that you will have the goodness to 
acquaint me, before 12 o'clock noon, on Monday, the 23rd Sep- 
tember next, with the prices at which 3'ou may be willing to supply 
this Office with Ink and Ink Powders, at such periods, and in such 
quantities, as may be required for use in the Public Service, from 
the 1st January, 1890. 

The probable quantities which may be required annually are 
stated in the annexed Specification, but the quantities actually 
ordered may be more or less in any degree, according to the 
demands of the Public Offices. 

Samples of the Jars to be used may be seen, and particulars in 
regard to packing (when Ink is so ordered) will be given at the 
Stationery Office, where such further information as may be 
desired will be furnished. 

Each description of Ink, &c., may be tendered for separately, 
but all the items will not necessarily be given to one Contractor. 

Each tender to be accompanied by 4 Imperial Quart .Jars of 
each description of Ink, and by 12 of each of the Ink Powders 
proposed to be supplied. 

No Tender which has been accepted will be allowed to be with- 
drawn or altered. 

I am, 

Your obedient Servant, 

T. D. PIGOTT, 

Controller. 

R&S (43,585a) 100 7 — 89 



140 



REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan. 

SPECIFICATION for the Supply of INK and INK 
POWDERS to H.M. Stationery Offlce. 



DESCEIPTIOK 


Probable 
Annual 
Quantity 


Rate per 
dozen 


AMOUNT 
£ «. d. 


BLACK WRITING INK. 


600 

20,000 

2,500 

600 


£ 








To he made of Best Galls, Sulpliate of 
Iron, and Gum. Tbe Sulphate of Iron not to 
exceed in quantity one-tliird of the weight 
of the Galls used, and the specific gravity of 
the matured Ink not to exceed 1045° (dis- 
tilled water being 1000°). 

Gallons ] 

2"^^*^ > Imperial 
Pints '^ ^ 

Half-Pints J 

Total 








BLACK COPYING INK. 


1,800 
200 
100 


£ 








To be made of the above materials, but 
of a strength one fourth greater than the 
Writing Inli, and with the addition of Sugar 
or Glycerine. The specific gravity of the 
matured Ink not to exceed 1085°. 

Quarts ^ 

Pints >- Imperial 

Half-Pints j 

Total 








BLUE-BLACK WRITING INK. 


5,500 

1,000 

150 


£ 








To be made of finest Galls, Sulphate of 
Iron, Gum, Indigo, and Sulphuric Acid. 
The specific gravity of the Ink when ma- 
tured not to exceed 1035°. 
Quarts 1 
Pints J- Imperial 
Half-Pints J 

Total 








BLUE-BLACK COPYING INK. 


400 

1,000 

50 










To be made as the Blue-Black Writmg 
Ink, but of a strength one fourth greater, 
and with the addition of a sufficiency of 
.^ugar or Glycerine. The specific gravity of 
the Ink not to exceed 1075°. 

Quarts "j 

Pints >- Imperial 

Half-Pints J 

Total 


£ 









1891.,] 



SENATE — No. 2. 



141 



DESCRIPTION 


Probable 
Annual 
Quantity 


Rate per 
dozen 


AMOUNT 
£ a. d. 


RED WRITING INK. 


1,000 
7,500 
1,300 


£ 








The basis to be derived from Cochineal. 
Quarts "k 
Pints > Imperial 
Half-Pints J 

Total 








BLUE WRITING INK. 


1,300 
100 


£ 








The basis to be derived from Indigo. 
Pints > 
Half-Pints I Imperial 


j Total 






RED COPYING INK. 


20 

350 

50 


£ 








The basis to be derived from Cochineal, 
but of a strength one-fourth greater than 
the Red Writing Ink, and with the addition 
of Sugar or Glycerine. 

Quarts "| 

Pints y Imperial 

Half-Pints J 

Total 








BLACK WRITING INK POWDERS. 


9,000 


V'. 








To be made of the same ingredients as 
the Black Writing Ink, reduced to a pow- 
der. The Sulphate of Iron to be dehydrated 
before mixture with the Galls and Gum. 
One powder to make one pint of ink. 








BLACK COPYING INK POWDERS. 


1,200 










To be made as the Black Writing Ink 
Powders, with the addition of a suflBclency 
of Sugar. Three powders to make one pint 
of Ink. 








RED INK POWDERS. 


3,500 










The basis to be derived from Conhineal. 
i One powda- to malxc one pint of Ink. 









142 REPORT ON PUBLIC RECORDS. [Jan.'Ol. 

CONDITIONS. 

The Ink to be delivered at the Stationery Office, or at such 
other place in London as may be directed, and by the dates 
specified on the orders. 

Each Jar to bear a printed label to a pattern which may be seen 
at the Stationery Office. 

Should the quality of any delivery be found to be inferior, the 
Controller will have power to reject it without appeal from his 
decision. In the event of such rejection, or of the quantities 
ordered not being delivered at the specified dates, the Controller 
will have power to purchase elsewhere and to charge the excess of 
price, if there be any, against the Contractor. 

When Ink is ordered to be "packed" it will, before being 
delivered at the Stationery Office, be securely placed into strong 
casks, for which a reasonable price will be allowed. Any damage 
caused by breakage in transit to the Country will be made good by 
the Contractor. 

The Contract will commence on 1st January, 1890, and, if 
performed satisfactorily, will remain in force for one yeai' certain, 
after which it may be terminated by the Contractor or the Con- 
troller of the Stationery Office at three months' notice, in writing, 
to be given at an}' time after the 30th September, 1890. 

The person whose tender is accepted will be required to enter 
into a deed of contract if called upon to do so by the Controller. 

No member of the House of Commons shall be admitted to any 
part or share of the Contract, or to any benefit to arise therefrom. 

TENDER 

do hereby agree and willing, to supply to Her Majesty's 

Stationery Office, Westminster, Ink and Ink Powders, of such 
descriptions, at such periods], and in such quantities, as may be 
required for use in the Public Service after 1st January, 1890, at 
the prices set against them in the foregoing Specification, and 
subject to the foregoing Conditions. 

Sir, 
• Your obedient Servant 

Name 



EesidencB- 
Date 



To the Controller of 

H.M. Stationery Ojficp, 

Westminster. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

lllliiillillliilllll 

018 371 483 1 • 



